• 2024 — August issue

• 2024 — April issue

• 2023 — December issue

• 2023 — August issue

• 2023 — April issue

• 2022 — April issue

• 2022 — August issue

• 2022 — December issue

1) Webinar on “Business Opportunities in the Republic of Guinea”

MASSA will be organising a webinar on the “Business Opportunities in the Republic of Guinea” in the first quarter of 2021. 

Further details on this webinar will be forwarded to MASSA members via our weekly circular once it is finalised.  Kindly contact MASSA Secretariat at Tel: +603-2078 3788 or email: mail@massa.net.my or massakl@gmail.com if you require further information on this webinar.

Information on the Republic of Guinea 

Conakry, Capital of Guinea

GENERAL INFORMATION

General Information on the Republic of Guinea

Guinea is endowed with abundant mineral resources, an agriculture-friendly environment with more than 6.2 million hectares of arable land and a hydroelectric potential of around 6,00 megawatts. Guinea also has the world’s largest reserves of bauxite (40 billion tons), the world’s richest iron ore (over 60% content), a reserve estimated at 20 billion tons that can be mined for 100 years. The sub-soil is rich in other minerals such as diamonds and base metals.

The Government of Guinea has been carrying on reforms since 2015 to achieve the following key objectives:

1) Develop Africa’s largest mining sector
2) Build small and large hydroelectric dams to generate sufficient energy
3) Develop infrastructure
4) Build modern cities
5) Release the country’s agro-business potential to achieve food self-sufficiency and become
a breadbasket for the West African region.

Priority sectors are:

a) Energy and hydraulics
b) Agriculture
c) Infrastructure
d) Mining
e) Post, telecommunications, IT and digital economy
f) Industry
g) Trade
h) Tourism

The Government of the Republic of Guinea would like to attract strategic partners and business private sector investments to work with them to achieve the above objectives in the priority sectors outlined above. 

MASSA is collaborating with APIP-Guinea and Mr Ismael Nabe, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Guinea in charge of Public-Private Partnership, Investments and Partnerships with Asia, to organise this webinar to explore the many business opportunities available in the Republic of Guinea.

 2) EXPO 2020 Dubai from 1 October 2021 – 31 March 2022

The EXPO 2020 Dubai is a World Expo hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.  It will be held from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. 

This exhibition will be held at the  Dubai Exhibition Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates covering an area of 438 hectares. This is the largest Expo ever held in the region.  It is set to welcome 190 participating countries and millions of visitors from across the globe.  This international exhibition will provide great opportunities for businessman wishing to expand their businesses overseas. 

For more information on this Expo 2020 Dubai, please log onto website: www.expo2020dubai.com

1)   Webinar on “Reconnect: Hong Kong – Malaysia

       Partnership” on 24 September 2020

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia and The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government jointly organised the webinar on “Reconnect: Hong Kong-Malaysia Partnership” on 24 September 2020. 

Keynote Speakers at this webinar are Hon. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Senior Minister, MITI Malaysia and Hon. Mr Edward Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of Hong Kong.

Panelists at the webinar include The Hong Kong Trade Development Council, The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, Sense Time, Value Partners Group and representatives from the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).                         
Government and business leaders from both the countries provided and shared an insight on the emerging opportunities with the application of innovation and technology, as well as in the trade and investment fields under the “new normal” to all the participants. This webinar also provides an opportunity for enterprises, manufacturers, professional services and start-ups to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership in braving the challenges ahead in this COVID-19 pandemic.

Malaysia Lighthouse Program by MIDA

The World Economic Forum (WEF) in collaboration with McKinsey launched the Global Lighthouse Network in 2018, a research collaboration to bring together the most advanced factories in the manufacturing world for a cross-company learning journey.

MIDA has taken a proactive step to embrace an innovative initiative by introducing Malaysia’s Lighthouse Project”, a concept of modelling companies that have embraced digital manufacturing and globalisation 4.0 in their business model and their entire supply chain. In general, the Lighthouse Project consist of industry players that have taken 4IR/Ind4.0/Smart Manufacturing technology from pilot to integration at scale, thus achieving significant financial and operational benefits. 

The term “lighthouse” denotes that these factories can act as beacons to guide their supply chain and others that are still looking to apply technologies like artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing and advanced analytics as well as overcome challenges in upgrading existing production.

MIDA envisions for Malaysia to have our own model factories to be recognised as our “Lighthouses”. Through this, we will embark on a unique learning journey that will benefit Malaysia’s production ecosystem.

The objectives of the Lighthouse initiatives by MIDA are to:-

– Drive the Industry 4WRD initiatives towards reality;

– Reposition Malaysia to be among the top Global Manufacturing nation with the latest technology adoption and innovation;

– To assist existing sector to become a Lighthouse.

Benefits of Lighthouse Model

-Technology can create a better, cleaner world through new levels of efficiency in manufacturing;

-It provides not just incremental but rather, a step change in resetting benchmarks for operational and financial key performance indicators (KPIs);

-Address rapid emergence of ecological constraints, balancing global resource consumption against availability, avoiding challenging impacts on ecosystems, human health and well-being associated with global climate change;

-Successful companies will act as beacons to guide the others projects/companies in Malaysia in transforming and overcoming challenges in upgrading existing production systems.

Source:  Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) – www.mida.gov.my

Appended below is the Malaysia Lighthouse Project guidelines for your information.

Contact Details on Malaysia Lighthouse Program 

Mr Norhizam Ibrahim
Director
Advanced Technology and Research & Development Division

Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
MIDA Central
No. 5, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5
Kuala Lumpur Sentral
50470 Kuala Lumpur
tel: +603-2267 3633 (Gen)/ +603-2267 3628
Fax: +603-2274 7970 (Gen)/ +603-2272 1779
Email: norhizam@mida.gov.my
Website: www.mida.gov.my

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional Asia-Pacific economic forum established in November 1989.

APEC consists of 21 members aims to create greater prosperity for the people of the Asia-Pacific region by promoting free trade and supporting a balanced, inclusive, sustainable economic growth and development in the Asia-Pacific region by aligning regulations and standards across the region.

Malaysia is one of the founding members of APEC in 1989 together with Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and United States of America. Other APEC members include Chile, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong China, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Chinese Taipei and Vietnam.

The list of the 21 APEC members are as follows:-

( List of APEC Members in alphabetical order)

21 APEC Economies Members

Source : https://www.apec.org/About-Us/About-APEC

APEC – A Multilateral Economic Forum

APEC operates as a cooperative, multilateral economic and trade forum through open dialogue, Member economies participate on the basis of open dialogue and respect for views of all participants. In APEC, all economies have an equal say and decision-making is reached by consensus. There are no binding commitments or treaty obligations. Commitments are undertaken on a voluntary basis and capacity building projects through skills training and technological know-how to help members to implement APEC initiatives. APEC’s initiatives turn policy goals into concrete results and agreements into tangible benefits for the APEC members. Established in 1989, APEC economies account for 60 per cent of the world’s gross domestic product and 48 per cent of global trade.

APEC ensures that goods, services, investment and people move easily across borders among the 21 APEC members. Trades is facilitated by APEC’s members through speedy customs procedures at borders; more favorable business climates behind the border; and aligning regulations and standards across the region. Products can be easily exported with just one set of common standards across all economies following APEC’s initiatives to synchronize regulatory systems among the Asia-Pacific economies.

APEC works to assist all Asia-Pacific region to participate in the growing economy, i.e. to provide projects in digital skills training for rural communities and help indigenous women to export their products abroad. On the impacts of climate change, APEC members also increase energy efficiency and promote sustainable management of forest and marine resources. The forum also deal with new challenges to the region’s economic well-being, i.e. ensuring disaster resilience, planning for pandemics, and addressing terrorism.

APEC activities are centrally funded by annual contributions from APEC member economies presently totaling USD5 million. APEC Secretariat is based in Singapore. These contributions are used to support Secretariat and to fund various projects which support APEC’s economic and trade goals among the 21 APEC members.

Source : https://www.apec.org/About-Us/How-APEC-Operates

“Bogor Goals”- APEC’s Initiatives in 1994

One of APEC’s initiative in 1994 – “Bogor Goals” has assisted participating members economies to reduce trade barriers and promote free flow of goods and services between the 21 APEC economies. Due to Bogor Goals, tariff rates are lower and many sectors in Malaysia are open and has benefited due to foreign investment among the Asia-Pacific region. APEC economies play a big part in Malaysia as they account to more than 80% of Malaysia’s trade and 70% of foreign investment in Malaysia’s manufacturing sector.

Malaysia Host APEC 2020

Every year, the 21 APEC Member Economies will rotate and host the APEC Leader’s Meeting. The APEC host economy is responsible for chairing the annual Economic Leaders’ Meeting, selected ministerial meetings, senior officials’ meetings, the APEC Business Advisory Council and the APEC Study Centers Consortium. 

Malaysia will host this year APEC 2020. It will be the 31st Forum held since 1989. Malaysia last hosted the APEC meeting in 1998, with the theme “Strengthening the Foundations for Growth”.

Hosting APEC 2020, will once again put Malaysia in the international front besides showcase the many other aspects of Malaysia to the world.

Source : https://www.apec.org

APEC 2020 – Theme: “Optimizing Human Potential towards a Resilient Future of Shared Prosperity : Pivot. Prioritise. Progress”

Malaysia hosted this year, 27th APEC Leader’s Meeting on 20 November 2020. It is the first time ever in history, this meeting is held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic across the world. Malaysia Prime Minister, YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin bin Haji Muhammad Yassin chaired the 27th APEC Leader’s Meeting and participated by all 21 APEC Economic Leaders.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin bin Haji Muhammad Yassin chaired the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leader’s Meeting on 20 November 2020

This year APEC 2020 theme is “Optimising Human Potential Towards a Resilient Future of Shared Prosperity: Pivot. Prioritise. Progress”. The theme reflects the Asia Pacific region’s resilience, agility and inclusive economic growth through the concept of Shared Prosperity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Malaysia has adopted the following 3P approach towards the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic:-

1.Pivot: To ensure that APEC work programmes respond promptly and effectively to the COVID-19 crisis;

2.Prioritise: To identify key meetings and events that must be held this year, which are essential for the advancement and realisation of Malaysia’s priority areas and targeted deliverables;

3.Progress: To embrace the new normal by convening all meetings in a virtual format.

Member Economies are urged to stay united in combating the pandemic and highlighting the need for an affordable, accessible and equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine. APEC assumes a central role in spearheading post-pandemic economic recovery besides the progress APEC has made on trade and investment in the last three decades and the benefits it brings to the 21 economies in the Asia-Pacific region.

APEC’s Leaders pledged to work together to support the following priorities in:- Improving the narrative of trade and investment; Inclusive of Economic participation through digital economy and technology and Driving innovative and Inclusive sustainability for the 21 Member Economies.

2020 Kuala Lumpur Declaration

The APEC 2020 was successfully concluded by the 21 APEC Economic Leaders. The 2020 Kuala Lumpur Declaration and the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 was adopted at the APEC 2020 Economic Leader’s meeting on 20 November 2020.

21 APEC Economies Leaders at the 2020 Kuala Lumpur Declaration

The leaders of the 21 APEC member economies issued the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, recognizing the unprecedented challenges the region’s economies face amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. APEC’s Leaders pledged to work together to support the following 5 priorities as in:-

– Combatting and mitigating the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic;
– Improving the narrative of trade and investment;
– Inclusive economic participation through digital economy and technology;
– Driving innovative and inclusive sustainability;
– Strengthening stakeholder engagement

For information on the 2020 Leaders’ Declaration, please log-in to:-
https://www.apec.org/Meeting-Papers/Leaders-Declarations/2020/2020_aelm

Source: https://www.apec.org

APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040

The APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 was officially launched at the APEC 2020 Leader’s Meeting that will chart the future of the Asia-Pacific region. The APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 aspires for an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040 for the prosperity of all its people and future generations.

Three key economic drivers to achieve this aspiration is “Trade and Investment”, “Innovation and Digitalisation” and “Strong, Balanced, Secure, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth”.
The next APEC Leader’s Meeting will be hosted by New Zealand in 2021.

For information on APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040, please log-in to:-

https://www.apec.org/Meeting-Papers/Leaders-Declarations/2020/2020_aelm/Annex-A

Source: https://www.apec.org

#MyAPEC 2020 Exhibition 

In conjunction with Malaysia as the host of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2020, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) organised the #MyAPEC2020 Exhibition which is the first-ever virtual exhibition held during the APEC meeting.

This exhibition is held from 1 September 2020 to 31 December 2020. The 4 months virtual exhibition will include online pitching, virtual one-to-one business meeting (eBizMatch) and webinars. The online exhibition is held in response to the rapid digitalisation around the world, catalysed by the restrictions and social distincing guidelines put in place from the COVID-19 pandemic around the world. The online platform provides Malaysia and other APEC economies, business opportunities to engage with foreign buyers and acts as a platform for to them to adapt to a virtual engagements.

The exhibition will feature Malaysian companies and exhibitors from all the APEC member economies. The exhibition will assist to increase business opportunities to all the exhibitors with 8 targeted sectors as follows:-

– Technology
– Innovative F&B and Agrofood
– Green Tech & Energy
– Healthcare
– Professional and Business Services
– Transport and Logistics
– Lifestyle
– Building Materials

The online exhibition has amassed over 6,000 registered viewers on the online platform in just under 2 months after its commencement. Since its launch on 1 September 2020, over 300 buyers from 51 economies have registered in the online platform, with the top 5 being Malaysia, Australia, Myanmar, Indonesia and Japan. The #MyAPEC2020 Exhibition is currently hosting over 300 companies comprising both Malaysian and international companies from APEC Member Economies.

The online exhibition platform also include 32 Business Pitching sessions been carried out showcasing companies from all the targeted sectors. Viewers were provided the opportunity to contact to the respective companies through real-time communications facilities during these sessions.

34 Virtual B2B Meetings have so far been arranged between exhibitors and local buyers from Malaysia as well as with foreign buyers from the USA, Japan, China, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, among others. The exhibition also hosts Webinars, having broadcasted 4 live presentations on key topics with chat features for participants to engage in Q&A.

Through this initiative, Malaysian exporters will be connected to international buyers that are interested to source product and services from Malaysia, arranged by 46 MATRADE overseas offices located all over the world.

For more information on #MyAPEC2020 Exhibition, please contact MATRADE at  Email: myapec2020@matrade.gov.my

Source: www.matrade.gov.my

MATRADE Contact Details

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
Menara MATRADE
Jalan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah
50480 Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA
Tel: +603-6207 7077; Fax: +603-6203 7037
Email: info@matrade.gov.my
Website: www.matrade.gov.my

Article by Puan Zabedah Giw, Advisory & Research, EXIM Bank

Malaysia has recorded a fair economic growth of 4.3% in 2019 (2018: 4.7%) as compared to the ASEAN peers with Vietnam and Indonesia taking a lead with growth recorded at 7% and 5% respectively. The region economic environment was affected by the on-going trade war and protectionism and geopolitical issues causing economic growth for the ASEAN 5 to record a lower growth of 4.8% (2018: 5.2%) then what’s achieved in the previous year. The year 2019 marked the extent of impact an economy faced with trade protectionism whilst globalization mooted as a way forward to prosper better growth leveraging on the economic capacity and phases of growth development. On the back of the challenging environment world trade has recorded a contraction of 3.14% for 2019 while on the regional performance ASEAN trade recorded a lower contraction at 1.97%.

In the current development, Malaysia economic performance for 2020 is expected to contract by 3.5% to 5.5%. Improvement in the business activity will be a gradual process as consumers are still reeling from the impact of COVID19 pandemic. On the contrary, the economy is projected to record a sturdy growth of 6.5 to 7.5% as highlighted in the recently announced National budget for 2021. This growth could be achieved with adequate capacity in production to support manufacturing activities and intensity in domestic spending.

Consequently, trade has been recognised as the formal means for exchange of goods and services on the back of monetary and economic consideration. Progress of the world trade will likely to create a deep economic integration among the major economies such as the US, China, India, Indonesia, Europe. Advancement in the trade activity will catalyst growth of a country’s manufacturing sector. The subsequent evolvement of the industry’s value add that forming part of the supply chain has provided diversity in country’s economic production. Advancement of the trade growth is likely to be achieved by having access to export market and appropriate financing in order to place the goods for international consumption. The progress of the global trade over GDP has been on the upward trend since.

Source: Worldbank, A&R MEXIM

Trade to Catalyst Growth

Malaysia economy is highly catalyst by export. As of 2018 the country’s export represents about 70% over GDP while the challenging environment due to the trade war has seen a lower ratio of 65.34 over the GDP in 2019. Key items that continue to lead Malaysia export to global market include electrical & electronics, mineral fuels, machinery & appliances, animal & vegetable fat and oils and medical equipment.

Source: DOSM, A&R MEXIM

Source: Trademap, A&R MEXIM

Trade activity has been an important element in driving a better economic growth for Malaysia. Contribution towards the GDP growth has been significant as Malaysia is ranked at 25th as global exporter while import at 26th place. Malaysia has been practicing an open economy and recorded an average export growth of 6.7% while import growth of 7.3% in the last 15 years. Trade balance has continued to remain in surplus much to the advantage of the country’s current account. Malaysia’s export grew by 13.6% yoy in September thanks to the robust growth recorded in electrical and electronics (E&E) products, rubber products, iron and steel products, as well as medical equipment. Additionally, agriculture goods also has registered a double-digit growth. Due to improvement in external demand, Malaysia’s export to major trading partner such as USA, China and Europe has recorded double digit growth of 22.1% yoy, 41.9% and 28.6% yoy respectively. Upside for a healthier growth is likely to be supported by effectiveness of the COVID19 vaccine and stability in the international market relations.

Source: DOSM, A&REXIM
To support greater trade performance especially on the part of export, investment and moving up the value chain of the Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to proceed rather significantly in order to meet global demand. Innovation largely need to take place among the SMEs in pursuit of efficiency and quality in production. Access to financing for working capital or requirement to purchase machineries and equipment in being part of the industry forward (4wd) could be widely facilitated.

Source: Trademap, A&R MEXIM

Moving forward, the government’s welcoming attitude towards foreign direct investment (FDI) in the production of high-value manufactured products, adequately available of skilled labour and highly diversified economy has popped numerous investment opportunities in Malaysia across wide range of sectors, including biotechnology, electronics, renewable and green energy, ICT, transportation and financial services.

The share of Malaysia top export products in the global trade indicates the strength of demand and size of the market these products are serving. It also spelt out the level of value chain these products present in the world key economies. Hence, this gives EXIM Bank the pointer in terms of requirement of trade financing for Malaysia industry sectors.

Strengthening of a Regional Cooperation in Asia

Regional integration and the strengthening of existing trade agreements with key partners will bolster trade flows in the long term. The disruption in the supply chain caused by the COVID19 pandemic has prompted manufacturers to diversify the supply chain connectivity throughout the world in an effort to stabilize continuity in production. On that note, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is expected to offer ample opportunity for Malaysia to expand exports in high value added goods. The materiality in signing of RCEP agreement will allow Malaysia, ASEAN member countries plus other Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, China, Australia, and New Zealand to form a sizeable trading market equivalent to one third of the world population. Establishment of this cooperation will bode well with Malaysia as a trading nation as probable advantage of this cooperation includes entry to a competitive route for local companies and manufacturers as highlighted by the official representatives.

Existence of Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) and trade credit insurance will complement this cooperation initiatives through appropriate access to financing for the exporters. Malaysia EXIM Bank could forge strategic partnership in trade financing, support for working capital, project and contract financing with other ECAs as well local financiers. Greater role in providing access to financing will mark and boost the role of ECAs in trade and economic mobility. Subsequently, mechanism in managing risk for international financing will adopt technology capability and the Internet of Things (IoT) as way forward in transforming the financial market.

Disclaimer:

The information and materials contained in this document are prepared for information purposes only and general in nature.  The research and information contained in this document are based on material compiled from data considered to be reliable at the time of writing.  However information and opinions expressed in the document should not be construed as a final consideration for any business and investment decision making.  EXIM Bank cannot be held responsible for any losses, whether direct or indirect as a result of using the information.  Unauthorized use of EXIM Bank logo, name and copyrights are strictly prohibited.

Contact details:

Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad (EXIM Bank)
Level 1, EXIM Bank
Jalan Sultan Ismail
50250 Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA
Tel: +603-2601 2000; Fax: +603-2601 2100
Email: communications@exim.com.my
Website: www.exim.com.my

A R G E N T I N A

Argentina Flag

Coat of arms

Argentina is located at the southern of the South America continent

Buenos Aires,  capital of Argentina

General Information

Source: 

1.  CIA World Factbook, South America: Argentina – 

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ar.html

 2. The World Bank, Argentina Overview – https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/argentina/overview#1

Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is the second-largest country in South America (after Brazil) located in the mostly southern half of South America.  Sharing the bulk of the Southern Cone with Chile to the west, the country is also bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the northeast, Uruguay and the South Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Drake Passage to the south. 

With a mainland area of 2,780,400 km² (1,073,500 sq mi), Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world, the fourth largest in the Americas and the largest Spanish-speaking nation by area.  Argentina is subdivided into twenty-three provinces  and one autonomous city, Buenos Aires, which is the federal capital of the nation. The provinces and the capital have their own constitutions, but exist under a federal system. Argentina claims sovereignty over part of Antarctica, the Falkland Islands , and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Although one of the world’s wealthiest countries 100 years ago, Argentina suffered during most of the 20th century from recurring economic crises, persistent fiscal and current account deficits, high inflation, mounting external debt, and capital flight.

In 2017, Argentina’s economy emerged from recession with GDP growth of nearly 3.0%. The government passed important pension, tax, and fiscal reforms. And after years of international isolation, Argentina took on several international leadership roles, including hosting the World Economic Forum on Latin America and the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference, and is set to assume the presidency of the G-20 in 2018.

Argentina is one of the largest economies in Latin America with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately US$450 billion.

Argentina has vast natural resources in energy and agriculture. Within its 2.8 million square kilometers of territory, Argentina is endowed with extraordinary fertile lands, gas and lithium reserves, and has great potential for renewable energy. It is a leading food producer with large-scale agricultural and livestock industries.  In addition, Argentina has significant opportunities in some manufacturing subsectors, and innovative services in high tech industries.

However, the historical volatility of economic growth and the accumulation of institutional obstacles have impeded the country’s development. The COVID.-19 pandemic and social isolation as a way to combat it aggravated the situation. Urban poverty in Argentina remains high and in the first semester it reached 40,9% of population, while extreme poverty increased to 10,5% and children poverty rose  to 56,3%.

After two years of recession and strong economic weaknesses, the impact of COVID-19 has been significant in Argentina.  To counteract the impacts of the crisis, the Government has implemented a package of emergency measures to protect the most vulnerable groups and help companies during the social isolation. This program has a  high fiscal cost, which is expected to bring the fiscal deficit in 2020 to more than 10% of GDP (the highest in more than three decades).

Domestic economy continues to show strong macroeconomic imbalances. Annual inflation, although it has slowed since the beginning of the year, is still above 40%, despite price controls.

The Government has managed to conclude the process of restructuring all its debt in foreign currency (both local and external), significantly improving the maturity profile for the next eight years. In turn, the authorities have formally begun to talk with the International Monetary Fund to agree a new program for the maturities of the Stand-By loan in the next 3 years.

Source:- 

1.  CIA World Factbook, South America: Argentina – 

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ar.html

 2. The World Bank, Argentina Overview – https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/argentina/overview#1

(1)  MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina:

       Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in

       the New Normal” on 14 October 2020

The Embassy of the Argentine Republic in Malaysia in collaboration with The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia,  Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, Argentina jointly organised a webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal“. 

The objectives of the webinar were:-

(1) To promote trade and investment opportunities between Malaysia and Argentina.

(2) To provide an update on the current market situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This webinar was hosted by Madam Nor Hasnah Badroddin, Senior Director, Bilateral Economic and Trade Relations Division, MITI, Malaysia.

The following 4 sessions were held at the webinar which included – 

Session 1: Introductory Remarks

(1) Mr Hairil Yahri Yaacob

     Deputy Secretary General of Trade

     Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysia

(2) H.E. Ambassador Carola Ramon-Berjano

     Undersecretary of Multilateral and Bilateral Economic Negotiations

     Argentine Foreign Ministry

Session 2: Establishing Regional Footprints Through Investment

(1)  Strategies and Opportunities to Invest in Argentina

      Mr Federico Cetrangolo

      Director for the Promotion of Investments

      Argentina Foreign Ministry

(2)  Malaysia as Your Global Supply Hub

      Mr Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid

      Director of foreign Investment Promotion

      Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

Session 3: Argentina-Malaysia Bilateral Relations and

                     Trade Opportunities

(1)  H.E. Ambassador Pablo Sivori

       Undersecretary of Trade Promotion and Investments

       Argentine Foreign Ministry

(2)  The Malaysian Market: Insights and Opportunities

       for Argentine Products

       H.E. Ambassador Manuel Balaguer Salas

       Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Malaysia

(3)  The Argentina Market: Insights and Opportunities

       for Malaysian Products

       Mr Wan Ahmad Tarmizi

       Trade Commissioner of MATRADE Santiago

       Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)

Session 4: Panel Session

Mr Abu Bakar Koyakutty, Senior Director for Exports Promotion & Market Access, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) moderated this session.

(1)  “Strategies and Opportunities to Invest in Argentina”

        by Mr Federico Cetrangolo, Director for the Promotion

         of Investments, Argentina Foreign Ministry 

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)  

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)  

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)  

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)  

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)  

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)  

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)  

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)  

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)  

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)  

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)  

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)  

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)  

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)  

 2.  “Making Malaysia as Your Regional Operations Hub” 

       by Mr Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Director

      of  Foreign Investment Promotion,  Malaysian Investment

      Development Authority (MIDA) 

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)  

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

3.  “The Malaysian Market: Insights and Opportunities for 

     Argentine Products” by H.E. Ambassador Manuel Balaguer

     Salas, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Malaysia

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

4.  Argentine products with potential to be exported to Malaysia

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

5.  “The Argentina Market: Insights and Opportunities for

     Malaysian Products” by Mr Wan Ahmad Tarmizi, Trade

     Commissioner of MATRADE Santiago, Malaysia External

     Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

(Source: MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020)

Source:–

1.MATRADE webinar on “Malaysia and Argentina: Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investments in the New Normal” on 14 October 2020.

Contact Details

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
International Trade and Worship
ARGENTINA
Email: info@cancilleria.gob.ar
Website: cancilleria.gob.ar/en

Embassy of the Argentine Republic in Malaysia
H.E. Manuel Balaguer Salas
Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Malaysia
16th Floor, Menara Keck Seng
203, Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA
Tel: +603-2144 1451 ; Fax: +603-2144 1428
Email: comercial_emsia@mrecic.gov.ar; comercial2_emsia@mrecic.gov.ar
Website: emsia.cancilleria.gob.ar

Mr Wan Ahmad Tarmizi Wan Idris
Trade Commissioner
MATRADE Santiago
Commercial Section (MATRADE)
Embassy of Malaysia
Oficina 302, Edificio Malasia
187, Las Condes
Santiago
CHILE
Tel: +52 55 5201 4540
Email: santiago@matrade.gov.my; tarmizi@matrade.gov.my
Website: www.matrade.gov.my

Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
MIDA Central
No. 5, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5
Kuala Lumpur Sentral
50470 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2267 3633
Fax: +603-2274 7970
Email: investmalaysia@mida.gov.my
Website: www.mida.gov.my